October is a popular month to travel from Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport (AVP) for fall foliage trips to the Pocono Mountains and Scranton-area festivals. Expect moderate demand on weekends as East Coast travelers head north; midweek flights often yield the best deals. Airlines serving RDU frequently route through Charlotte or Philadelphia for one-stop itineraries — check carrier schedules and book 3–6 weeks in advance for the lowest fares. Nearby access points include Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, Greensboro, Charlotte, New York City, and Washington, D.C., making RDU a convenient departure hub for multi-city fall itineraries.
Arriving at Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport (AVP) in October positions you perfectly for fall foliage drives, outdoor festivals, and weekend getaways in the Poconos. Expect crisp temperatures, occasional rain, and higher demand on weekends as New Yorkers and Philadelphians head north for leaf-peeping. AVP's compact terminal means fast arrivals, but rental car availability can tighten during festival weekends — reserve in advance. Top nearby cities and destinations include Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, Allentown, the Pocono Mountains, Lake Wallenpaupack, New York City, and Philadelphia, providing multiple options for onward travel.
October brings a range of fall events accessible from both Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) and Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport (AVP). Near AVP, fall foliage drives, pumpkin patches, Oktoberfests, and Scranton-area cultural events draw regional visitors. Near RDU, October features college football, craft beer festivals, and seasonal farm activities in the Research Triangle area. Plan travel around major local events to avoid price spikes and limited rental car availability.
The best time to fly from Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport (AVP) in October is midweek (Tuesday–Thursday) when fares tend to be lower and airports are less crowded. Early morning departures reduce the risk of delay from earlier connections, while late-night flights may offer cheaper fares if you can handle shorter turnarounds. For leaf-peeping weekends, book at least 3–6 weeks in advance; for a combination of low cost and good availability, target departures in the 6–10 a.m. window on weekdays.
Choosing direct vs connecting flights for RDU to AVP is often a trade-off between price and convenience. Direct flights (if available seasonally) reduce travel time and risk of missed connections but may be pricier or limited in frequency. Connecting flights via CLT or PHL are common and can offer more options and lower fares; however, allow for adequate layover time and consider the total door-to-door duration. For business travelers prioritize fastest itineraries; leisure travelers seeking cheap flights may prefer one-stop routings.
Airlines serving or connecting RDU to AVP typically include major carriers such as American Airlines (via CLT), Delta Air Lines (via ATL in some itineraries), and United Airlines (via EWR or IAD), depending on schedule. Low-cost carriers may serve parts of the regional network but AVP's limited size favors connections through major hubs. Compare total travel time, baggage fees, seat selection costs, and loyalty benefits when choosing an airline; use filters to prioritize nonstop options if available seasonally.
October travel between Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) and Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport (AVP) is ideal for leaf-peeping but requires planning for weather variability and rental car scarcity on weekends. Pack layers for cool mornings and warmer afternoons, keep flexible plans for outdoor activities, and secure rental cars and lodging early. Consider travel insurance for weather-related changes and monitor airlines for schedule updates during seasonal storms.
Typical flight time between Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) and Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport (AVP) is not commonly served nonstop; most itineraries require one connection and total travel time averages 3–5 hours including layover. Common connecting hubs for RDU-AVP in October include Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) and Philadelphia International Airport (PHL). Early morning and late evening flights may have fewer connections; always verify scheduled durations and minimum connection times when booking.
Finding cheap flights between Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) and Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport (AVP) in October requires flexibility with dates, times, and sometimes routing. Use fare comparison sites, set price alerts, and search midweek departures for the best savings. Consider alternative nearby airports like Lehigh Valley International (Allentown) or Binghamton and check multi-city itineraries that might reduce total cost. Budget carriers and last-minute sales may offer deals, but balance cost with connection times and luggage fees.